Like humans, dogs are omnivores which means that they eat a variety of food of both plant and animal origin. If you’re looking to add some fruits in your pet’s diet, apples are a sweet, crunchy, affordable fruit that dogs enjoy. In fact, many dogs love to eat apples. Apples are a healthy and tasty treat for your canine companion and a perfect snack for senior dogs.
“An Apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but does that mean a veterinarian too?
Apples are a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet as apples are a great source of nutrition. It is packed with essential vitamins, dietary fiber and antioxidants that are supremely beneficial for your canine friend. Apples are advantageous in the following ways:
- Nutritious: Apples are not only affordable and healthy, but also low in calories, protein and fat, so can be especially helpful to senior dogs.
- Vitamin A: It is a vital nutrient for your pet. It helps regulate proper functioning for skin and coat and helps with strengthening the immune system.
- Vitamin C: It offers proper bone and muscle development and helps with degenerative conditions like joint disease.
- Dietary Fibers: Fiber found in apples can contribute to a dog’s overall gastrointestinal health. Fiber slows the rate that sugar is absorbed into bloodstream. Fiber is not considered an essential nutrient in your dog’s diet, however adding fiber improves colon health, helps with diarrhoea, constipation and with weight management.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants are essential for your pet’s longevity. It can also be a source of immune-boosting antioxidant. They lend themselves to good eyesight, bone development and chronic diseases.
- Good for Teeth: Additionally, apples can help keep your pet’s teeth clean and breath fresh as it contains malic acid.
However, not all parts of the apples are safe for your pet. When feeding apples to dogs, be vigilant about their seeds and cores. The seeds can be toxic for your dog as it contains cyanide. Chewing and consuming large quantities of cyanide-containing seeds can harm your pet. Some people believe that stems are also hazardous, therefore it's preferable to remove them as well. Apple cores are tough to chew for most dogs. It is possible for cores and large pieces of apple to get stuck in a dog’s throat which can lead to choking or gastrointestinal obstruction if consumed. Apples should be chopped into slices or small cubes so that your dog may consume them effortlessly. The apple should be peeled to make it easier for your dog to digest.
It's also important to remember that apples contain sugar, which could be harmful to dogs who suffer from diabetes or cancer. Furthermore, even in healthy dogs, consuming too many apples might cause stomach distress or diarrhoea. There's a chance your dog will be allergic to it, just as there is to most meals. Anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal illness, can occur in rare cases because of allergic responses. Stop feeding these fruits to your dog if you notice signs of an allergic response, such as coughing, sneezing, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
Your fury friend may love crunching on apples, but don’t feed them in excess. If your dog eats too many apples, he may get a stomach-ache or diarrhoea, so always feed them in moderation. A single apple slice or two will suffice to satisfy your pet’s cravings.
Bringing together these goodness of Apple in Captain Zack's WHAT'S APPLING DUDE? Chicken and Apple Jerky Treats which is very nutritious and incredibly tasty.
These treats are Human Grade, High in Protein and Low in Calorie, perfectly balance snacks for your doggo. Grab one for your furball now!
